The Deciduous Forests

Also referred as "Temperate deciduous forests" are found in temperate regions of North central Europe, Eastern Asia and Eastern United States. In southern hemisphere in Australia and New Zealand.

Main Characteristics

a) Area has warm summer and moderately cold winter.

b) Precipitation is abundant ranging from 75 cm to 150 cm.

c) Temperature remains moderate 20 - 27^o C in summer and - 12^o C in winter.

d) Soil is rich in minerals and organic matter.

Flora

Deciduous forests usually have distinct five layers.

1) an overstory of deciduous trees with crown tops about 15 - 55 meters above the ground.

2) deciduous tree stratum with crown tops around 6 - 12 meters above the ground.

3) shrub layer upto 3 meters high.

4) herbaceous layer with rhizomes and bulbs and largely spring perennials.

5) moss and lichen layer grown on rocks and fallen logs.

The common trees are beech, hemlock, buckeyes, basswood, oak, maple and hickory.

Fauna

Important consumers are deer, fox, bear, wild turkey, salamander, turtles, lizards, snakes, etc.